Сикли Ахеменидов из округи Неаполя Скифского
Achaemenid Shekels from the Neighborhood of Scythian Neapolis

Summary/Abstract: We introduce for the scientific discussion two Achaemenid shekels found near the Scythian Neapolis in Taurica. These coins have attracted our attention not only because of their extreme rarity in the Northern Black Sea coast. It was much more important to determine the possible time and the circumstances of their arrival in the region. It is established that the coins were released in different time periods. The first one was minted at the end of the 5th — the first half of the 4th cc. BC. It shows the countermark — the sign of satrap Autophradates (391—330 BC.). The second was issued in 521—338 BC. Both coins were drilled to test the alloy standard. Given the circumstances of detection and testing, we conclude that the Achaemenid shekels came to Taurica simultaneously. We assume that they were brought to the Scythians, in the service of the last Achaemenid ruler. Their discovery near the Scythian Neapolis suggests that the settlement on its territory already existed in the 4th century BC.

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